CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2002-R-020

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

OCTOBER 21, 2002

5:30 P.M.

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G.  Flores called the meeting to order.

II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Elizabeth G.  Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

 

            Elizabeth G.  Flores,                                                                 Mayor

            Alfredo Agredano,                                                                    Mayor Pro Tempore, District I

            Hector Garcia,                                                                          Council Member, District II

            John C.  Galo,                                                                          Council Member, District III

            Johnny Amaya,                                                                         Council Member, District IV

            Eliseo Valdez, Jr.,                                                                     Council Member, District V

            Gene Belmares,                                                                        Council Member, District VI

            Jose A.  Valdez, Jr.,                                                                 Council Member, District VII

            Juan Ramirez,                                                                           Council Member, District VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Assistant City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

IV.       MINUTES

    

Approval of the minutes of September 3, 2002, September 16, 2002 and September 20, 2002.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Cm.  Belmares was not present.

 

 

 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements 

 

            None.

 

             Invitations

 

a.  Presentation by Craig Baltazar and Marc Solis, Arena Ventures, on the Laredo

     Entertainment Center ribbon cutting-open house on Sunday, October 27, 2002.

 

      Julian Luis “Kiki” de Ayala mentioned that construction is winding down now on this project and he reported that the project will be completed on time and under budget.

      He introduced two key members of the organization:  Marc Solis, Vice-President of Business Operations and Craig Baltazar, General Manager of the Laredo Entertainment Center. 

 

      Craig Baltazar stated that the citizens of Laredo should be very proud of the 10,000 seat facility.  He mentioned that the home season for the Laredo Bucks opens Friday, November 1, 2002.  He extended invitations to the Council Members and their spouses and mentioned that he looks forward to seeing them at some of the upcoming games.  He also announced that the Open House will be held on October 27, 2002, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the ribbon-cutting ceremony to be held at 3:00 p.m. 

 

      Mayor Flores mentioned that the entire process was a lengthy process and the people of Laredo should be proud of the Council Members who served on different committees that overlooked the entire operation.  She asked for a round of applause for them for their hard work throughout the entire process. 

 

            Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition of the Shining Star Customer Service Award garnered by the City of Laredo

     for its strong customer service initiatives.

 

      Eddie Zavala, Customer Service Coordinator, stated that this award was received during the Chamber of Commerce Customer Service luncheon.  He stated that the City of Laredo was one of only five organizations recognized for their initiatives where each competing organization has to sell their internal and external customer service program, their training for employees, and how each one monitors customer service.   He added that the City of Laredo prides itself on providing training to all new employees and continued training throughout their period of employment.

 

b.  Recognition of State Farm Insurance Company for their generous contribution to the

Laredo Fire Department Fire Prevention Division.  State Farm Insurance Company has demonstrated their commitment to the safety of the citizens of the Laredo Community by providing funding to the Fire Department for the purchase of a Bilingual 911 Emergency Simulator.  This educational aid will assist the Fire Inspectors to teach a citywide fire prevention program.

 

Fire Chief Luis Sosa introduced the new Fire Marshall Daniel Potin who addressed the City Council and explained that he is beginning a new phase within the department and is looking forward to the new challenges he will be tackling.  District Fire Chief Steve Landin displayed the new fire equipment donated by State Farm Insurance.  He stated that this educational tool will allow them to provide courses to young children regarding 911 communication. 

 

Mayor Flores provided a Seven Flags Certificate of Recognition to the representatives of State Farm Insurance for their generous donation. 

  

c.  Recognition of Wal-Mart for their dedication to fire prevention.  Wal-Mart has initiated

a Fire Prevention Program for the citizens of our community.  Wal-Mart has shown great interest in the safety of the Laredo community.

 

Fire Chief Luis Sosa stated that Wal-Mart has been very generous in providing instructional tools including a smoke alarm and a television set which is being utilized at the different public schools. 

 

d.  Mayor Flores presented an award to Cm. Juan Ramirez who was recently recognized by   

     United Way for his meritorious service. 

 

e.   Rick Johnson with United Water gave a brief progress report to City Council.  He thanked Beto Ramirez, Utilities Director, for his cooperation during the transition of the Utilities Department.  He explained that they have provided plenty of safety training to the employees.  He mentioned that they have consolidated all the controls at the water facilities into one computer and control panel. 

   

      Communiqués

 

Cm. Agredano reiterated Mayor Flores’s comments on the great reception given by the people of Corpus Christi at the hockey game held in Corpus Christi, Texas.  He added that the citizens of Laredo will be in for a treat when they start attending the hockey games.  He stated that on October 27, 2002, at 8:00 a.m. there will be the 5th Annual 5K Run in South Laredo.  He mentioned that all the proceeds from this race go toward scholarships for students from Cigarroa High School and United South High School. 

 

Cm. Garcia stated that he also attended the first hockey game in Corpus Christi, Texas.  He expressed his gratitude to Assistant City Manager, Cynthia Collazo and city staff who attended a meeting at Villa del Sol.  He stated that it was an informative and enlightening meeting which provided a great opportunity to meet with a key group of people. 

 

Cm. Galo stated that he was submitting a petition delivered to him for a request for speed bumps which he requested to be forwarded to the Traffic Department. 

 

Cm. Amaya stated that there will be a Chicken Plate Sale on Saturday, October 26, 2002, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 220 Calton Road.    The proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward donations for needy families and students during the holidays.  He thanked the members of the community and local businesses that have contributed to this and other District IV projects. 

 

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. thanked Kiki  De Ayala and his staff for the exciting show at the hockey game.  He encourages everyone in the community to attend some of the games.  He also mentioned that there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony held earlier today for the opening of Casa Verde Road.  He thanked the City Manager’s Office, the Public Works Department, the Traffic Department and the Utilities Department for the great work done to complete this project. 

 

Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. thanked the crew from Parks and Recreation Department for their cleanup effort at the Rancho Viejo Subdivision entrance.  He also mentioned that the area has officially been declared a natural disaster area by the Governor and people can now contact FEMA to find out whether they can obtain assistance from FEMA. 

 

Cm. Ramirez thanked everyone who participated at the El Dia del Rio at Las Palmas Park this past Saturday, October 19, 2002.   He also urged all those registered voters who have not voted to go out to exercise their right to vote. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

a.  Appointment by Council Member Alfredo Agredano of Jesus Guerra to the Tree   

    Advisory Committee.

 

                Motion to approve the appointment.

 

                Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                For:     7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            Cm.  Belmares arrived at 6:10 p.m.

 

1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 408, Eastern Division, located at 519 East Saunders Street, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, representing Carlos Castillo, submitted an application to a cup for one year to allow a paint and body shop operation.

 

Recognize to remove bi-staff

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit for one year.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Amaya

 

2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the sections of the Laredo Land

Development Code pertaining to manufactured homes space leasing, Section 24.63.2, Permitted Uses and Section 24.93.2, Manufactured Housing Park, and providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of this ordinance amendment.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 13 and 14, Block 2, Jacaman Ranch Subdivision, Unit 6, Jacaman Commercial Park, located northeast of Rosson Lane, from B-4 (Highway Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk spoke on behalf of the applicant asked Council to postpone the public hearing for 30 days. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and postpone for 30 days.

 

Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the         

City of Laredo and Ordinance 2001-O-133 which authorized the issuance a Conditional Use Permit for a used car lot on Lot 2, Block 292, Eastern Division, located at 413 Clark Blvd., by revising the site plan to which the permit is restricted; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the amendment of the Conditional Use Permit with conditions.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit with conditions as recommended by Planning and Zoning Commission. 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Amaya

 

Mayor Pro Tempore was chairing the meeting.

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and 8, Block 305, Eastern Division, located at 818 and 820 Clark Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit with conditions.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Jose Leandro and Susana Garza stated that they are in agreement to a Conditional Use Permit.  He clarified the use of musice (portable stereo) and the hours of operation of 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Amaya

 

6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 12, Block 1707, Eastern Division, located at 2802 Market St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ricardo Gonzalez spoke against the zone change.

 

Santiago Arevalo of 2703 Rosario Street, spoke against the zone change request due to the traffic problems and because the noise nuisance that it will create.

 

Jose Luis Neira, petitioner, spoke in favor of the zone request.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 1877, Eastern Division, located at 815 South Canada Avenue, from R-2 (Multi-family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Jerry O’Brien, representing the applicant, was there to answer any questions the Council may have.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning 6.16 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located south of Emerald Hills Subdivision, Phase I and southwest of Dorel Dr., from R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Richard Haynes spoke in favor the zone change.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1, Block 121, Western Division, located at 901 San Agustin Avenue from CBD (Central Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Javier Santos, representing Fernando Salinas,  mentioned that the applicant is requesting a Conditional use Permit.   

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit for pickup of customers at 10:30  - 1:00 a.m.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Ramirez

 

10.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1 and 2, Block 72, Western Division, located at 820 Farragut St., from CBD (Central Business District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Javier Santos, representing Fernando Salinas, asked for a Conditional Use Permit.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a Conditional Use Permit for lease holder only and pave lot, place an opaque fence no parking outside the lot.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Ramirez

 

11.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003

Airport budget to recognize additional revenues received from the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program in the amount of $289,205.00 for the purpose of constructing a cargo apron at the Laredo International Airport.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

12.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a

grant in the amount of $42,500.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation and to amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $65,250.00 to fund the El Protector Program.  The Texas Department of Transportation will be designating $42,500.00 and the City of Laredo will be designating $22,750.00 in matching funds.  Funding is available in the General Fund balance.  The funding for this grant will be from October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

13.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a

grant in the amount of $81,250.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation and to amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $125,000.00 to fund the Comprehensive STEP (S.T.O.M.P.) Program.  The Texas Department of Transportation will be designating $81,250.00 and the City of Laredo will be designating $43,750.00 in matching funds.  Funding is available in the general fund balance.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

       

            14.  A.  Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores

                        1.  Presentation by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores on the National Trust for Historic

Preservation – National Trust/HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation presented to the City of Laredo in Cleveland, Ohio on October 10, 2002. 

 

Bill Skeen, a consultant from Covenant Communities, reported that the National Trust for Historic Preservation – National Trust/HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation was awarded for the imaginative conversion of the Hamilton Hotel.  He said that the project was a great success because of a wonderful team that worked together to house over 250 senior citizens.  He congratulated all the City employees for their participation in the project. 

 

                   B.  Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Alfredo Agredano

 

            1.  Discussion with possible action to rename the South Laredo Park in memory of

                 Mario B. Tijerina.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore expressed his desire to rename the South Laredo Park in the memory of Mario B.  Tijerina.

 

Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, noted that the Parks and

Recreation Advisory Board voted in favor of renaming the South Laredo park to Mario B.  Tijerina. 

 

Motion to approve to rename the South Laredo Park in memory of Mario B.  Tijerina.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

                 

       

                   C.  Request by Council Member John C. Galo

 

1.  Staff report regarding the missing gate arms from Tex-Mex railroad crossings,

     with possible action.

 

Keith Selman, City Planner, informed Council that City staff has contacted Tex-Mex and they indicated that sub-contractors with Tex-Mex will be placing gate arms on the missing gates and the project will be complete in March.

 

2.  Staff report on the opening of Bartlett at Market, with possible action.

 

Keith Selman, City Planner, said that the project would cost $57,000, which does not include the planking.  Tex-Mex ha agreed to do the planking in October and the project will be complete in December of 2002.  Once the project is complete City staff can begin the construction of opening of Bartlett and Market.   

We will be getting 40,000 from TxDOT of the 57,000.  due to the partial closure of Jarvis and we will need to consemate a closure agreement between Council and TxDOT and we will bring that forward once we get that worked out.  We need to get that and bring it to Council. 

 

Cm.  Galo asked staff to place the item back on the agenda in 30 days.

    

3.  Staff report on the clean-up of Chacon Creek, with possible action.